a Gardening Blog for Northwest Arkansas

The 7 Plants Your Garden (or Patio Pot) Needs for Fall

Fall is one of the best times of year to plant. The cool weather makes it easy for plants, trees and shrubs to establish their root systems. And Fall is also one of the most fun seasons to plant: there are so many colorful options! Below are some of our favorites for the season:

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are a staple in any fall garden or patio pot. Why? Because they add height and interest! With towering blades, some with plumes, and others with unique colors, grasses are a must in your fall garden.

Mums

We suggest you use Mums more as an ornamental plant in your garden or on your front porch, though many plant these perennials and see them come back year-to-year (They can be hard to establish & maintain as perennials). But Mums are the quintessential Fall plant that you should have somewhere around your house when the weather begins to cool. We have our GIANT SuperMums that we grow exclusively at Westwood, so come grab yours early before we sell out for the season!

Pansies & Violas

Pansies & violas are one of those classic plants that will always stick around. They are tough and look lovely in any garden. Plant in groupings for best results. If you plant these guys in the Fall, they will come back in Spring even bigger and brighter.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are one of the more unique cool-season annuals. They have towering spikes with some crazy colors that are a nice, vibrant pop in the fall. We also have mini snaps this year, that don’t grow quite so tall.

Ornamental Cabbage & Kale

Some may wonder why we have ornamental cabbage and kale that is not edible. The reason is that they have been bred for their deep, cool hues and fullness, not to be eaten (they are quite bitter). They are perfect for adding to patio pots to pull in those “Fall colors” to your design.

Asters

Asters are often under-rated little perennials. But with deep hues of pink and purple and pin-cushion blooms, they can pack a punch of color for your beds.

Heuchera

Heuchera shows fall-like colors most of the year, but they really shine in the Fall. This perennial is pretty easy to care for and keeps its foliage from Spring to Fall.

Come see us to start your Fall plantings- patio pots, containers, or a garden refresh – with some of these plants!